Citizens Advice Scotland have said the welfare cuts in today’s Budget will impact most sharply on those who are least able to cope, and that more people may be forced into poverty and foodbanks as a result.

Phone, online, postal or doorstep. The young, the old and the in-between. Scams come in all shapes and sizes, and affect everyone. Launching in Scotland on Thursday July 2nd, Scams Awareness Month 2015 (SAM 2015) is part of the fightback.

Today sees the start of Scams Awareness Month 2015. The Scottish launch will take place in Nairn in conjunction with Nairn CAB, Police Scotland and Trading Standards. Find out more about SAM 2015 here.

The Welfare Reform Committee met last week following visits by committee members to citizens advice bureaux across Scotland. The purpose of the visits was to learn about the work of bureaux and what issues clients present with, by listening to their experiences and sitting in on welfare benefit advice sessions.

The Edinburgh Trusted Trader scheme is being launched today (17 June 2015) to residents in response to demand for a “go to” list of reputable businesses when people need work or repairs carried out on their homes.

The ScottishPower Hardship Fund - Now Open For Applications

The ScottishPower Hardship Fund is available to ScottishPower customers who have difficulties paying their bills due to low income. This fund, which is independently administered by Social Enterprise Direct, has been set up to help customers get their energy bill payments under control by reducing or cancelling energy debts.

The Fraser of Allander Institute (FoAI) has researched the economic benefits of CAB advice for every CAB member in Scotland. This evidence shows clearly how local CAB reduce costs at all levels of government and how they support jobs and put money back into the local and national economy.